Curatorial Fellow in Programs, Toronto Biennial of Art

Ange Loft with Jumblies Theatre & Arts, Dish Dances Movement Workshop, a Talking Treaties movement education initiative, May 21, 2022. Program held at Fort York National Historic Site as part of Toronto Biennial of Art 2022. Photography: Rebecca Tisdelle-Macias.

Job Opportunity: TBA Curatorial Fellowship, Programs

About TBA

The Toronto Biennial of Art is Canada’s leading visual arts event focused exclusively on contemporary art from around the world. For 10 weeks every two years, local, national, and international Biennial artists transform Toronto and its partner regions with free exhibitions, performances, and learning opportunities. Grounded in diverse local contexts, the Biennial’s city-wide programming aims to inspire individuals, engage communities, and contribute to global conversations.

As conversations about Truth and Reconciliation as well as inclusion, equity, and accessibility continue to evolve, the Biennial is committed to developing new ways of seeing and listening. Read more about our ongoing commitment and vision ahead here.

For detailed information on the impact of the first Biennial, please read our latest Evaluation Report.

Position Overview

Job Title: Curatorial Fellow, Programs
Role Type: Part-time, Contract, schedule based on deliverable created collectively
Contract Length: November 2023–December 2024
Compensation: $10,000 CAD
Application Deadline: September 15, 2023
Commitment: Regular curatorial meetings (minimum of 2 per month); independent project development in conversation with TBA team; availability throughout Biennial dates (September 21 – December 1, 2024) as needed.

The Toronto Biennial of Art (TBA) is seeking a part-time Curatorial Fellow in Programs. The TBA Curatorial Fellowship is an opportunity for emerging Black, Indigenous, and racialized curators to engage in an experimental and collaborative process through which the fellow is invited to cultivate personal curatorial methodologies and realize a project within the programming and learning framework of the Toronto Biennial of Art. More information about Programs can be found here.

In 2023-24, the Curatorial Fellow in Programs will be invited to work directly with the Biennial’s Curator of Public Programs, Jenn Goodwin, through a reciprocal mentorship model: being mentored by, as well as mentoring the team, through collaboration and knowledge sharing. Over the period of one year, the Fellow will shape a curatorial programs project, which should include a public program or program series (performances, workshops, talks, podcasts, etc.) with the possibility to consider a learning component for Biennial visitors.

The Fellow will work with the support of the Programs team, through regular meetings and planning sessions, to be realized during the period of the 2024 Biennial edition. The Fellow will share the deeper research and thinking behind their project through writing for marketing, communications, and audience outreach, as well as further information on the selected artist(s). The Fellow will receive a fee and production budget, as well as support and professional development opportunities from Biennial departments (incl. Exhibitions, production, communications and marketing, development, community outreach, volunteers, etc.) at various stages of the Fellowship. The Fellow will also have opportunities for engagement with Biennial partners, contributors and publics, as well as access to research support from institutional partners. In addition to regular opportunities for in-process feedback and reviews with members of the Programs team, the Fellow will be invited to reflect on their role and project as a means of shaping upcoming iterations of the Fellowship, as well as growing an alumni or supporting network for future Fellows.

Roles and Responsibilities
The Fellow will be responsible for:

Realizing all aspects of their curatorial project, as developed collaboratively with the TBA Curator of Public Programs: conception, planning and logistics, writing, partnerships/collaborations, production, digital content development, outreach, budget management, marketing and communications, etc.
Adhering to timelines and milestones as developed collaboratively with the curatorial team.
Drawing upon their past related experiences, research, and practices, sharing knowledge with the curatorial team.
Liaising directly with project managers as production advances closer to program dates, online content launch dates, etc.
Providing texts for TBA’s platforms, including as needed: website, social media, press releases, guide, publications.

Desired Qualifications:

Bachelor of Arts, with a concentration on visual arts, performance, dance, curatorial studies, arts administration, and/or related fields. Equivalent experience welcomed.
Experience working with artists and curators on public programs; experience curating public programs an asset. Insight into and knowledge of Toronto arts & culture an asset.
Ability to take direction and work collaboratively, and also work independently.
Ability to work efficiently and communicate with staff and external partners from different backgrounds and with varying expertise.
Superior organizational, resource management, research, and communication skills, with attention to detail.
Proven commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and practices of anti-racism and anti-oppression, to contribute to a healthy workplace environment.

Location:

Our offices are located at 158 Sterling Road in Toronto. Successful candidates will be required to meet with the TBA team and advance key aspects of project development in person throughout the contract.

Other Benefits:

Hybrid working arrangements outside of regular in person meetings and project development
Annual winter holiday office closure
Optional monthly arts and culture outings during work hours
Networking opportunities

To Apply:

To apply, please submit the following to opportunities@torontobiennial.org with the subject line “Curatorial Fellowship, Programs”. Please indicate where you saw this posting. Only selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Resume: Resume or cv describing academic, professional, and other relevant experience. Maximum three pages.
Statement: A one-page statement describing your work, current research, and intellectual interests.

More information about this position can be found on the TBA website.

The Toronto Biennial of Art (TBA) has developed this special program for a Curatorial Fellow in Programs in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code as a way to address substantive equality by helping reduce discrimination and addressing historical prejudice. TBA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusiveness in all of our work. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known to Toronto Biennial of Art.

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